july2022 - 31

Benefits of a
" You're not just aligning wheels to wheels,
computerized system
When it comes to the alignment equipment itself,
shops can choose between a manual and computerized
system. While both ultimately perform the
same task, the effort required-and end result-
may differ greatly.
" With a manual system, the technician needs
to be capturing measurements with mechanical
gauges and writing all of that information down, "
said Chris Schutt, technical training specialist at
Bee Line, a manufacturer of computer laser wheel
alignment, tire balancing, and frame correction
equipment. " Manual and computerized alignments
are both simple, really. But a computerized
system is much faster and easier to teach. "
" A computerized system walks the technician
through the process, " added Lee McLaughlin, Bee
Line owner and president. " That makes it easier
to cross-train technicians. Our system has help
screens and videos that guide the technician
through the process. "
Hunter's computerized system offers two levels
of software. One has additional functionality
that walks a technician through the alignment
process. The other level is more self-guided,
making it a more cost-effective option for a technician
who is already somewhat familiar with
performing alignments.
TA Truck Service has stuck with the same
computerized alignment system for many years.
In fact, Mustafa first learned how to perform
alignments on this system several years ago.
Additionally, TA has begun experimenting with
a second system. As Mustafa pointed out, all
systems have their pluses and minuses.
" The new system we've been testing has another
level of mobility in that we can load it onto a
service truck, " he continued. " It can work effectively
anywhere. On the other hand, the system
we've been using for years, while very accurate and
reliable, can have some issues on really sunny days
because the light can throw off the lasers. Because
it uses a different technology, the new system we've
been testing doesn't seem to have that issue. "
Equipment and tooling needs
Aside from the alignment system itself, and
perhaps some turn plates or a rack, the typical
maintenance shop will already have much of what
it needs to begin doing alignments. Mustafa said
the typical technician can get everything else they
need for less than $500.
" The first thing a technician needs is something
to turn the tie rod, " he said. " That might be something
like a four-foot pipe wrench. The technician
will also need something to manipulate the
positioning of the rear axle, likely some kind of
hydraulic tool. "
Hunter's Bachemin said a shop will also want
to keep plenty of alignment shims in its parts
inventory for when technicians are making the
actual adjustments.
It's a good idea to ensure that the alignment
system itself will allow for a complete alignment.
Bee Line is a big believer in what it refers to as
" total vehicle wheel alignment. "
which is considered a thrust angle alignment, "
McLaughlin said. " You're actually aligning the axles
90-degrees parallel to the centerline of the frame
so the entire truck goes down the road straight. "
Some alignment systems may only measure
and adjust toe and tracking errors. Total vehicle
alignment requires all critical angles to be gauged,
and both camber and caster to be corrected. Fleets
should ensure that the system they invest in has the
tooling and capabilities to address all critical angles.
Additionally, Bachemin said it's beneficial to
have a system that can measure all three axles
simultaneously, which makes things easier on the
technician while boosting efficiency.
Recognizing the importance of a three-axle
alignment is critical. " If the truck has a pull, it
doesn't necessarily mean there is anything wrong
with the caster and toe, " North American Trailer's
Lamoreaux explained. " The drive axles could just
as easily be pushing the truck left or right. "
Training and support
Like with any specialized service, technicians are
going to need some training to get up and running
with alignments. Equipment manufacturers often
provide a combination of online video training and
in-person training at their facilities. Additionally,
many will send trainers to a shop that recently
invested in their equipment. As a general rule, the
training often lasts one to three days depending
on the experience level of the technicians.
At TruckAline, a new technician is trained for
at least four weeks with a senior alignment technician
before being sent on their own. And even
then, close supervision continues to take place for
some time.
" It's one thing to know that adding caster to the
right side will help correct a right pull, but knowing
how much to add without causing a left pull
and premature tire wear takes time and experience, "
Lamoreaux said. " The alignment equipment
we use is fairly straightforward and the computer
makes recommendations, but it's all about feel. It's
also important to test drive the vehicle to see if
any improvements were made, so having a CDL is
a huge advantage for an alignment tech. "
Maintaining the accuracy of an alignment system
does require some regular maintenance, primarily
cleaning and lubing certain areas. System calibration
is also important. Calibration can be affected
by several things, including extreme weather and
humidity. Additionally, a technician can sometimes
drop a sensor onto the ground.
" Having the calibration checked at least a couple
of times a year is nice, " Hunter's Bachemin said.
" It's even better when technicians can check it
themselves without having to call out a service
professional. The actual calibration procedure does
require special tools. But a technician can check to
make sure the system is calibrated on their own. We
have a reverse sensor test that takes five to seven
minutes. Anytime a technician drops a sensor or is
seeing data that just doesn't seem right, it's a good
idea to run this test to put their mind at ease. "
McLaughlin said Bee Line's system allows
technicians to perform the actual calibration
themselves. " We write our own software, and
Photo: Hunter Engineering
Automating
alignment checks
Hunter has recently introduced a
newer product that can help a fleet
stay on top of alignments.
Quick Check Commercial consists of two
systems that can be purchased together or
individually. As a vehicle drives into a service
area, Quick Check Heavy Duty uses cameras
and lasers to check alignment on the steering
axle and scrub angle on the two rear axles as
well as scrub angle on the trailer. The other element
of the Quick Check Commercial system
is Quick Tread Heavy. It also uses cameras and
lasers to measure tread depth on all 18 tires.
" Essentially, the alignment can be checked in
the time it takes to drive 100 feet, " said Ralph
Bachemin, senior manager of sales development
at Hunter Engineering, a provider of
alignment, wheel and tire, and ADAS calibration
equipment. " The data is reported through
an internet-based system. Then the fleet
manager can see when a certain vehicle or
trailer is in need of some alignment attention. "
calibration is built right into the cabinet itself, "
McLaughlin pointed out. " This allows the technician
to calibrate in roughly four minutes. "
When a fleet decides to venture into alignment
services, Bachemin said it must be an all-in
commitment. There is good reason to make that
commitment. Technicians can get up to speed
and develop some proficiency fairly quickly, especially
with a computerized system. Alignments
also present a good money-making opportunity.
" In the heavy-duty world, it's realistic to say that
80% of the vehicles out on the road are in need of
an alignment, " Bachemin said. " Checking alignment
every 25,000 miles could help a fleet save
2-4% on fuel and up to 20% [on] tire life. That is
money to a fleet. "
And for the shop, the money is in providing a
valuable service that helps fleets save over the
long haul.
July 2022 | FleetMaintenance.com
31
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